Still leaking oil...I'm freaking speechless!!!

[volvolover]

After getting my m20 back from the shop about a month ago, I left the car in it's usual spot (cleaned up obviously)

Last night after coming home, I took a peek under the car. Sure enough, there's more oil. Where in gods name is is coming from? I sure as hell dont' know!

Here's a list of what's been replaced in terms of gaskets/seals

Rear main (when clutch was being replaced)
oil pan gasket
HG (dont' worry, OEM BMW used)
Rocker seals
VC gasket
water pump as well as related seal (I know it has nothing to do with the oil leak, but still)
Front crank seal
cam seal
Oil filter housing seals (where it goes from to the oil cooler)
etc.

Where else can it be coming from?

The only thing I can think of, is there was something wrong with the oil pan gasket installation. The reason why I think that, is b/c the leak appears closer to the rear of the engine (given where the car is sitting, car hasn't moved in a month). Is there some kind of trick to installing these things?

I'm at my wits end with this freaking thing. Sure it runs great, and fast and cool, quiet etc. but I'm seriously considering dumping it (85%). It's not like I'm running modded parts/setups...everything is OEM and stock!

Arrgh! maybe it's time to ditch the old gal. Had great plans for detailing the body now that the powertrain and suspension is all cleaned up. Maybe this is the universes way to tell me to sell it before shit gets much worse. Go and use the money to travel, see my buddy in the UK, as well as some family I haven't seen in years?

I'll give it one more look today. Take my flashlight and see what I can find. Then contact the mechanic tomorrow with my findings

[mpowerful]

Time for a leakdown test.

[pantelones]

Valve cover plugs... There are four and they do not come with the valve cover gasket so they typically are neglected to be replaced. Just lightly oil and pop in place, do not use any sealer. Also, improper install of the valve cover gasket will cause it to leak. And, if you used sealer on the pan gasket it will leak. Best way to insure a good seal is the paper gasket, with a VERY SMALL amount of sealant at the front and rear main covers. Blunt suggested Yamabond? or something like that? I used a copper RTV style sealant that was good for high-temp and heat cycling.

[Dakotademon7]

I would look at the oil pan itself real close. Even a pin hole or very small crack will let it drip oil.

[15Michaeljoseph]

Oil Pressure sensor


--sent from my igloo via carrier penguin

[DesertBMW]

Sure enough, there's more oil. Where in gods name is is coming from? I sure as hell dont' know!

You did not change the rear main seal housing gasket and front crank seal housing gasket. Both are paper, but it is recommended to use ultra gray silicone. I just did one M20 rebuilt and no leaks at all.

[Bigboy740il]

You said the rear of the engine. You can also check the oil return tube at the intake manifold and the block. Also check the oil level sensor in the top of the oil pan.

[volvolover]

You did not change the rear main seal housing gasket and front crank seal housing gasket. Both are paper, but it is recommended to use ultra gray silicone. I just did one M20 rebuilt and no leaks at all.

anyone have part numbers of these?/pics?

this really has me thinking. I just got back from inspecting the oil drops. Are these seals accessible from dropping the transmission?

It appears that the oil is centered around the rear of the engine (as the puddle is near the rear of the engine, closer to the passenger side).

I also noticed the oil level seems to have stayed consistant since parking the car. Could it be tranny fluid leaking?

[jlevie]

The first action is to identify where the leak is. That can be done by throughly cleaning the engine (from top and bottom) or by adding UV dye to the oil and watching for the first sign of leakage. If using dye you have to use a UV light.

[M3 Ryan]

Why not take it back to the shop that fixed it and have them check further? Maybe they missed some during clean up? Put UV dye in the oil and clean everything then drive 100 miles and check for leak. No sense guessing on the Internet without pictures or even a location of the leak...

[Stanley Rockafella]

Yeah, that's the plan. I spoke to the mechanic and he wanted me to being it back.

I'll suggest the UV dye thing too

thanks for the help

[CorvallisBMW]

The first step is to clean the engine, thoroughly, from top to bottom. Use a degreaser, scrubbing tools and a pressure washer. Get it totally clean and you'll be able to see exactly where the leak is coming from.

[NoM54me]

Or, quick and easy method.....put a big piece of cardboard covered with clean white paper towel under the engine bay. Will help you narrow it down some, but not as accurate as the UV dye test.

[jlevie]

Or, quick and easy method.....put a big piece of cardboard covered with clean white paper towel under the engine bay. Will help you narrow it down some, but not as accurate as the UV dye test.

That will tell you where the oil drips off, but not necessarily where the leak is.